The plans are now a reality and Cinecittà World, the first theme park of its kind in Italy entirely dedicated to cinema, is slated to open July 24 in Castel Romano, just outside Rome.

The 250-million euro theme park is expected to attract up to 1.5 million visitors in a year, the company behind the project, Italian Entertainment Group (IEG), has said. "Cinecittà World will give Rome a greater draw for tourists, like Disneyland in Paris," IEG chairman Luigi Abete, said. He added that the company plans to invest a further 250 million euros in the project and create a total of 2,500 new jobs.

Two giants of Italian cinema were involved in the project: the 20 high-tech attractions were designed by Oscar-winning production designer Dante Ferretti, while the ambient music was devised by composer Ennio Morricone, winner of an Oscar for career achievement in 2007.

The park includes four themed restaurants, eight film sets and four theaters.

Entry will cost 29 euros per day, or 23 euros for children up to 10 years and adults over 65. There will also be a family ticket giving entry to two adults and two children for the price of 95 euros.

Cinecittà, which was once known as "Hollywood on the Tiber", has produced some of the best known films in Italian, British, and American cinema, including Ben Hur, Cleopatra, La Dolce Vita, The English Patient, Life is Beautiful, and Gangs of New York.